I have a word for someone out there, which is also a reminder for all of us, myself included. It is this: as Christians we need to avoid all kinds of evil activity, and where possible – even the appearance of doing evil. Otherwise, we risk dangerous accusation against ourselves, we risk leading others astray, and we risk bringing Christianity into disrepute. Sometimes we are so eager to meet the “needs” of someone that we act too hastily, without regard for discretion, propriety and transparency. It is tempting to rationalize that “to the pure all things are pure”, but although that statement (Titus 1:15) is true, it is also true that we neither live among “the pure” nor do we consistently qualify as “the pure”. Since God brought me this reminder this morning, I reviewed the following scriptures that set boundaries for our ACTIONS, however noble our motives may be. Some alternate translations are in parentheses, and you may investigate the translations for yourself 🙂

1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Keep away (abstain) from every form of evil (all appearance of evil).” Ecclesiastes 7:1 – “Better is a good reputation than precious oil.”  Titus 2:7 – “In all things, show yourself to be an example of good deeds.”  1 Corinthians 8:9 – “Watch out that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”  1 Corinthians 10:32 – “Give no offense either to Jewish or Greeks people or to God’s community.”  2 Corinthians 6:3 – “We give no cause for offense in anything, so that our ministry may not be blamed.”  2 Corinthians 8:21 – “We have regard for what is honorable – not only before the Lord, but also before people.” 

Even Yeshua (Jesus) gave consideration to avoiding the appearance of evil. Matthew 17:24-27 tells the story of Yeshua’s response to the collectors of the Temple tax. Although His knowledge of truth (verse 26) required no payment of this tax, He conceded (verse 27) “But, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw out a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. And when you open its mouth you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them, for me and you.”

Yeshua paused in His busy schedule, exercised His power over organic and inorganic creation, sent His busy disciples on an impromptu errand – and all for what? To avoid the appearance of “evil” – that is, the perception that He was avoiding the Temple tax which according to the Law all Jews should pay! Yeshua was not going to put a stumbling block before these people and all observers if He could avoid doing so. Since they were not privy to all that He knew, and since their eternal life depended on their eventual response to His gospel, He made a well-considered response to their request – their “need”. Let us do likewise, to the best of our ability 🙂